Flu cases on the rise in Carlsbad

More than 100 cases confirmed in first week of January

Feeling under the weather? Are you wondering if you have the flu or a cold?

Hospitals and family medical practioners across the country are reporting an increase in patients coming to emergency rooms, urgent care and medical offices seeking relief from flu-like symptoms and Carlsbad Medical Center is among them.

The Center for Disease Control says the estimated rate of flu-related hospitalizations in the U.S. is about 8.1 percent per 100,000 people, which is high for this time of year.

While not all patients coming through the doors have the flu, Carlsbad Medical Center is reporting an increase in the number of people who have tested positive for the flu.

Clara Hargrove, Carlsbad Medical Center's infection prevention specialist, said the diagnosis of flu in patients coming to the emergency room has tripled, and that's for the first two weeks of this month.

She said in the first week of January, 573 patients come through the ER and out of those, 106 met the criteria for influenza-like illness. Out of those 106, five tested positive for Influenza A. Three were admitted to the hospital due to age, frailty and other factors.
So far this week, 242 patients have sought relief and a diagnosis at the emergency room. Of those, 37 have met the criteria for influenza-like illness, and three have tested positive for flu.

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If you have a cold, you probably are experiencing a slight achy feeling, mild fatigue, a stuffy nose, sore throat and a cough and maybe some sinus congestion.

Flu, on the other hand, can cause you to have a high fever for several days, a headache, severe body aches, fatigue or weakness, extreme exhaustion and the usual stuffy nose and sore throat. Left untreated, it can lead to pneumonia or become life-threatening.

The CDC says an estimated 112 million Americans have been vaccinated for the flu so far this season. Flu vaccinations are recommended for everyone 6 months or older. According to the CDC, on average, 24,000 people in the U.S. die each flu season.

Kenny Vigil, New Mexico Department of Health public information officer, said although the state does not tract individual flu cases, the department has stations that monitor influenza-like illnesses.

"About 7 percent of people who show up at these stations have reported influenza-like symptoms," he said. "Last year at this time it was about 3 percent."

Vigil said the vaccine used appears to be a good match for the flu strain that is going around.

While it's not too late to get vaccinated locally, those who have in the past gone to a local pharmacy to get their flu shot may have to wait to get vaccinated. Local pharmacies are reporting they are out of the vaccine and are waiting for a shipment.

Walgreens, La Tienda and Southwest pharmacies say they are out of the flu vaccine, but will resume providing flu shots when they receive another supply.

Albertson's Save-on pharmacy has vaccine on hand and offers the flu shot for around $25. However, it does not have any flu nasal mist. Walmart Pharmacy does not offer flu shots.

In addition to getting a flu shot at the doctor's office, the vaccine is also offered at the Eddy County Health Office, 1306 W. Stevens St.
A spokeswoman at the health office said the facility has seen an influx of people seeking a flu shot.

She said there is still vaccine available for adults, but the nasal mist administered to children is not currently available.
There is no charge for flu shots administered at the health office.